On December 28th, Guangzhou's newly established Metro Line 11 was officially launched with a total of 32 stations, passing through Yuexiu, Tianhe, Haizhu, Liwan, and Baiyun Districts. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, bookstores, afternoon tea restaurants, and bars along the line invite residents to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle.
The station picture of Guangzhou Line 11 (Photo: WeChat official account of Guangzhou Metro)
Books: a slow embrace of cultural life
Near Exit A of Zhongshanba Station on Guangzhou Line 11, there is an old-style residential bookstore, 1200book&bed (Liwan Lake Park Store). This bookstore combines dining, music, reading, and accommodation in one place.
Walking out from Datang Station Exit B and entering Haizhu Lake Park, you will find a coffee bookstore surrounded by greenery and lakes, the SHUTER LIFE (竖德生活馆). With its minimalist design and bright color scheme, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the park while being immersed in the world of books.
The unique red spiral staircase of the HAIZHU Library's G+Branch (Photo: official website of Guangzhou Haizhu Government)
Continuing to Tianhe Park Station Exit B, there is a cozy bookstore with a warm atmosphere called Yuangong 1965·Reading (员宫1965·约阅). It is quite spacious, allowing customers to choose functional areas according to their needs.
Arriving at Pazhou Station Exit C, customers can make their way to the HAIZHU Public Library's G+ Branch to immerse themselves in a thicket of books. The library features a distinctive red spiral staircase that adds a unique touch to the design.
Coffee and desserts: a slow experience of afternoon tea
At the Hanshengtang Soup Tea House (涵生堂汤茶馆) near Exit A of Yuancun Station, you can immerse yourself in the comfort of a traditional Chinese afternoon tea. Visitors can not only brew tea around a stove, and savor the tea, but also enjoy the river views and sunset.
Traveling to Exit F of Guangzhou East Railway Station, one can enjoy Western-style afternoon tea and meals at the Timetable Kitchen.
The vanilla buffalo milk toast of the Timetable Kitchen (Photo: WeChat official account of Timetable Kitchen)
Near Exit B of Ruyifang Station, hidden in the old streets of Guangzhou, there is a retro-romantic standalone building that integrates coffee, cultural creativity, floral art, and vintage clothing, known as Xiguan 84 History·Art·Cafe.
Close to Exit A of Jiangtai Lu Station, the Niconi Trendy Art Cafe (Niconi潮玩艺术咖啡店) holds various art exhibitions on the first floor irregularly, and the cafe on the second floor also integrates modern trend elements with art exhibits.
Wine: relaxing nights at Guangzhou's bars
Heading to Exit G2 of Guangzhou East Railway Station, you can visit TOKTOK Craft Beer·Coffee (TOKTOK精酿啤酒·咖啡店) for a moment of tipsiness. TOKTOK offers a selection of fruit teas, cocktails, and various craft beers, with a camping-style design that allows you to relax and unwind.
Going to Exit B of Yangang Station, you can also visit HAPPY HOUR BAR, which features a cool atmosphere design with a variety of refreshing beverages and a selection of grilled chicken dishes to choose from.
The drinking place and bar counter of the TOKTOK Craft Beer·Coffee (Photo: WeChat official account of TOKTOK Craft Beer·Coffee)
Arriving at Pazhou Station Exit C, GUEVARA Whiskey & Cigar Bar (GUEVARA格瓦拉威士忌雪茄吧) offers desserts, spirits, and cigars, immersing visitors in the sensory stimulation of fine liquors.
The opening of Guangzhou Metro Line 11 not only facilitates smoother traffic flow within the city but also provides convenience for the leisure and travel of the residents.
Author | Liu Lingzhi, Wang Yulin (intern)
Photo | Liu Lingzhi
Editor | James, Shen He
